Everything You Need to Know about Dentures

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time does it take to make dentures? Do you need to know if denture implants are covered by insurance? Please check out the information below. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact Sylvia Russell Denturologiste Inc. Whether you are from Saint-Lazare or from Laval, you are very welcome at our office in Pierrefonds.

1. I am comfortable with my dentures, why get new ones?

You need to renew your dentures for three important reasons:

WearOver the years, the mouth changes and the bone is resorbed. The denture teeth also get worn over time. When the back teeth get worn, the space between the top and the bottom rows of teeth gets bigger and the bite gap increases, making chewing more difficult.

AestheticsA worn out denture ages the face. The upper lip becomes less visible, the chin becomes more protruded and the cheeks become more flaccid.

Hygiene The many bacteria in the mouth end up penetrating into the acrylic of the denture.

2. My new denture hurts, is it made incorrectly?

Not necessarily. When making a new denture, the acrylic espouses the shape of the gums according to the imprint. Once in the mouth, the patient exercises pressure during chewing. Certain areas of the mouth are more sensitive, the gum is softer or more stretched, certain bones might even be more protruding. These areas can become sensitive or even hurt quite a lot. Make an appointment as soon as possible to adjust the denture so that everything gets back to normal.

3. My prosthesis is too big, do I have to replace it?

Not necessarily. If the teeth are still functional and in good shape, but the mouth has changed, it is possible to simply do a reline. An impression is taken inside the denture to fill in the gap that has been created over time. In the lab, the acrylic is renewed. If the patient cannot leave his or her denture at the lab for the day, the reline can be done directly in the mouth. However, the acrylic used in this case will become slightly discoloured over time.

4.My teeth get stained even if I brush regularly, are they bad quality?

No, our eating habits as well as the medications we take can lead to staining of the teeth and/or the acrylic. If that is the case, you can buy a more powerful cleanser at our clinic, which is different from what is sold in the pharmacy. Use toothpaste on natural teeth, but not on dentures. Toothpaste prevents cavities and gingivitis, but it is abrasive on dentures. Dentures need to be maintained with a mild soap or products designed for that purpose.

5. Does my insurance cover the cost of implants?

Unfortunately, no. However, the costs are tax-deductible. Discuss it with your accountant to see how much you get refunded, depending on the amount you invest and on your income.

6. Do I have to remove my dentures when I sleep?

Yes, your gums need to breathe. Night is the best time not to wear your dentures.

7. Why did my dentures break when my old ones never needed repairs?

Dentures are unfortunately not unbreakable. If you drop them, they may break. Alternatively, they can get damaged when you eat. If that is the case, we have to find the cause of the damage, so that the situation does not repeat itself. This can require an adjustment, other times it requires a replacement. If we only repair the dentures without finding the cause of the problem, chances are they will break again. Just because old dentures never needed repairs does not mean new ones will not require any.

8. Do I have to keep my old dentures?

Yes, it is strongly suggested that you keep your old dentures. Accidents never happen at a good time. If you break or lose your dentures, you can use your old ones while getting the problem fixed. Simply wrap them up and keep them in a case. If you need them, you can just clean and rinse them then put them on to help tide you over.

9. How long does it take to adapt to dentures?

Adaptation times vary from one patient to the other. New dentures require adaptation when speaking as well as when chewing. If discomfort or a problem persists, or if you feel pain, make an appointment to adjust your dentures. Over time, your dentures will feel like part of your body. This takes a few days for some people and a few weeks for others.

10. How many days does it take to make dentures?

Full dentures take two weeks. Metallic partial dentures take about three weeks. It all depends on availability and how busy we are.